Premier League Game Of The Week - Liverpool V Arsenal

Well, this one should be a cracker! This week, the Premier League game of the week features former Champions League and Premier League winners Liverpool against an Arsenal team with a solid run. Who will be the winner?

Arsenal Looking Good

Arsenal have more to boast about than just their recent multi game unbeaten run. They finally look like a team again! With a first choice back four, assisted by Tavares – who is pressing Tierney hard, the Gunners have the foundation that has eluded them for so long.

Only a few games ago, Arteta was guilty of chop and change tactics. Now, however, Arsenal, although not yet the finished article, have a regular starting eleven, one that has considerable promise.

So, can Arsenal overcome the swarming red army? 

Paul Merson’s Prediction

In an article in Metro newspaper, Paul Merson, a former Gunner himself, gave his prediction for the Premier League game of the week. He said:

“This is most definitely the game of the Premier League weekend and a big one for both teams. Liverpool are trying to win the league and have to bounce back from their defeat against West Ham….Arsenal, on the other hand, are flying a little bit and are on a run, but they won’t want to be billed as flat-track bullies. ..They need to get a result here against one of the best teams in the country and even if they don’t, there are ways to lose a football match…I’ve said since the start of the season that if Arsenal keep their starting XI fit, they can get top four. ..Judging by the aspirations of the two clubs, a draw would be good for Arsenal, while Liverpool will be unhappy with it as they are trying to win the Premier League. ..However, I predict the two sides to share the spoils at Anfield.

Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal

Do you think Paul is right and that the Gunners can steal a point at Anfield?

The Salah Factor…

• 
  

Liverpool are a team with a great manager and a few outstanding players. 

However, squad wise, there are some reservations to be had. Man for man, Liverpool match..or even exceed Arsenal in key areas. However, they haven’t, in our opinion, bought well recently. Their squad is one that could be better, even if it is still a good squad. However, one name stands out.

Whilst Bobby Firmino is not a prolific goal scorer, although against Arsenal that record improves, Salah is on fire!

With 15 goals in 15 EPL games this season, Salah is the ‘goal a game’ striker that characterises great players like Messi, Ronaldo, and Ibrahimovic. Would you dare to think that Salah won’t score again?

Arsenal’s defence is solid. However, remember a couple of years ago when Salah’s pace caused David Luiz, a warrior of great experience, to get sent off? It is possible that Salah will continue to show that pace again and cause Arsenal a great deal of problems.

Even if Mane and Firmino are not prolific of late, Arsenal’s chances rest on whether they can keep Salah quiet…a difficult proposition at the best of times.

Our Prediction

Whilst Paul Merson is predicting 1-1, we think that won’t be the scoreline. 

Arsenal are on a great run, with a team that is finally a team. However, Liverpool are seasoned champions. As such, we expect Arsenal to give a good account of themselves and to genuinely compete with Klopp’s men.

Even though the encounter will not be one sided, the recent return of fans, and a home ground advantage, should be enough for Liverpool to crawl across the line with 3 points. 

This, in no way means that Arsenal will have the wind taken out of their sails with a loss, their undoubted potential is plain for all to see.

Arsenal have the seeds sown for genuine title challenging very soon. Saturday’s game may be just a little early for the potential to be fully realised.

As such, we predict a home win…just

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal

The Article: Premier League Game Of The Week - Liverpool v Arsenal first appeared on London Metro News